Millicent vs North Gambier
Two finals bound teams met at McLaughlin Park for the final game of the season as the sides hoped to gain the edge should it match in finals.
In a fiercely competitive contest, Millicent emerged triumphant, edging out North Gambier in a thrilling battle that set up anticipation for the finals.
The game began with Millicent taking control of the match early.
North Gambier was unable to get the ball to its forward line, however the Tigers defence worked well and managed to stem the bleeding.
At the end of the first quarter, Millicent had held North Gambier scoreless and had a 15 to 0 lead.
North Gambier got back into the game in the second quarter and managed to hit the scoreboard.
Straight kicking was a great strength of the Tigers in the second quarter maximising its opportunities.
Millicent also managed to kick two straight goals to keep the lead in its favour.
The half-time score stood at 27 to 18 in favour of Millicent.
The third quarter saw the intensity of the game reach its peak.
North Gambier gave its all to bridge the gap.
Millicent however proved itself the better team and continued to build the lead from the first quarter.
The scoreboard at the end of the third quarter read 59 to 32 in favour of Millicent.
The Tigers launched a determined late surge, putting pressure on Millicent’s defence.
Sam Stafford, in particular, was important with four goals to his name for the match.
North Gambier came tantalisingly close to turning the tide, but Millicent held firm and kicked enough goals to keep the lead at the sound of the final siren.
When the final siren sounded, Millicent emerged victorious with a final score of 74 to 61.
Finn Grimes, Jacob Carger, Hamish Nitschke, Hamish McRae, Harry Tunkin, and Dylan Tincknell were the best for Millicent.
North Gambier’s Bradley Adams, Dale Bachmann, Jonty Collins, Nicolas brown, Tyson Christophersen, Nick McInerney were the best players.
While a disappointing result for North Gambier, it will hope to meet Millicent again deep in finals and prove it can get the result.
Millicent will head into finals off the back of a win and hope to go straight through to the Grand Final with a win over West Gambier.